Leveling instrument.



M. No- 719,061. PATENTED JAN. 27, 1903.

J. A. TRAUT. LEVELING INSTRUMENT.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 29, 1902.

N0 MODEL.

Urvrrit rains JUSTUS A. TRAUT, OF NElV BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT.

LEVELlhlG INSTRUMENT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 719,061, dated January27, 1903.

Application filed April 29,1902. $erial1l'o. 105,147. (No model.)

To (0H, when it may concern;

Be it known that I, JUSTUS A.TRAUT, a citizen of the United States,residing in New Britain, in the county of Hartford and State ofConnecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inLeveling Instruments, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to leveling instruments; and it consists,substantially, in the improvements hereinafter particularly described.

The invention has reference more especially to that class of levelinginstruments including both a spirit-level and a plumb; and the principalobjects of the invention are to provide a level device and a plumbdevice combined with an indicator orindex-lever in the production of aunitary structure adapted for attachment to a level-stocl and also toprovide means for readily ascertaining or determining the inclination orpitch of surfaces from both horizontals and perpendiculars.

A further object of the invention is to provide an instrument of thecharacter referred to with a level device and a plumb device and asingle indicator mechanism common to both of said devices, and also toprovide independent means of adjustment for the vial case or tube ofeach of said devices.

A further object is to provide a single axis or center of motion forboth the level device and the plumb device and to provide an instrumentof the kind referred to possessing simplicity of construction andorganization of its several parts or elements and one also having manyadvantages in the uses thereof.

The above and additional objects are attained by means substantiallysuch as are indicated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure lis a side view of a combination level and plumb instrument embodying theseveral features of my improvement; and Fig. 2 is a similar view takenfrom the opposite side thereof, the instrument being broken off at oneend. Fig. 3isa transverse sectional view; and Fig. stis a View of theinstrument, taken from the same side as in Fig. 1, showing the stock atan inclination or pitch from a horizontal and the level device adjustedto indicate the degree of such inclination or pitch.

Before proceeding with a more detailed description it may be statedthatI employ a suitable stock for the instrument, formed with openingsadjacent to which the level and plumb devices are located so as to beseen or observed from either side of the stock. The stock is preferablyof metal and is formed with comparatively broad flanges, which areplaned off evenly to constitute the Working faces of the instrument, andat the ends thereof the said stock is recessed, the edges of therecesses being flanged by which to give increased strength to thethinner or web portion, which constitutes the body of the stock. Inaddition to possessing the capacity of ascertaining or determining thepitch of surfaces from horizontals and perpendiculars my improvedinstrument may also be employed for all the purposes for which ordinaryspiritlevels and plumbs are used by bricklayers, masons, and otherartisans.

The level and plumb devices of my improved instrument are mounted uponor supported by an indicator or index-lever. common to both of saiddevices one arm of said lever having a suitable index thereonregistering with the divisions of a scale secured to the stock of theinstrument and also common to both of said devices. The main adjustmentsof the said devices are effected on a common axis or center of motion,the said level device being preferably supported by the longer arm ofthe indicator or index-lever, while the said plumb device is supportedby the shorter arm of said lever at permanent right angles to the leveldevice, it being evident, of course, that the reverse of thisorganization may be resorted to if desired. The level device issupported at a greater distance from the fulcrum of the indicator orindexlever than is the plumb device, the weight of said first-nameddevice, combined with the extra weight of the longer arm of the lever,tending to maintain said lever in a position normally to indicate zeroof the scale, the said level and plumb devices being in correspondingpositions, of course, this being a specially advantageous featurein aninstrument of this kind. 1 thus obtain a complete assemblage sults inpractice.

or organization of the principal operative elements of the instrument ina single or unitary structure, capable of being sold to the trade as anew article of manufacture, adapted for use upon many of the ordinarylevel-stocks now in use, with little or no alternation of theconstruction of the stock.

Preferably I employ suitable means for fastening or securing theindicator or index-lever both at the zero-point of the scale as well as'at the different positions to which it may be carried with reference tosuch scale in the adjustments of either the level device or plumb devicefor determining inclination or pitch of surfaces from true horizontalsor perpendiculars. I also preferably employ independent adjustable meansfor mounting the said level and plumb devices upon the arms of the saidindicator or index-lever, all as will hereinafter more fully appear.

Specific reference being bad to the accompanying drawings by thedesignating characters marked thereon, A represents the stock of myimproved instrument, the same being preferably constructed of metal andformed with an opening a at the approximate central point thereof and asimilar opening b at near one end, said stock having a body 0,consisting of a relatively thin web and comparatively broad side flangesd and e, constituting the working faces of the implement. The openingsreferred to are formed, respectively, with straight-edge portions a andb, which may be said to constitute the bases of the openings, said basesbeing parallel with the longer and shortersides of the stock and atright angles to each other. Said openings onable the level device B andplumb device 0 to be readily viewed or observed from the opposite sideof the stock to that on which the said devices are located, and to oneside of preferably the central opening the stock is formed with a curvedslot g, the sides of which are at an angle to the said flanges orworking faces 01 and e, as shown on the drawings. Secured at 2 2 to thesaid body or web 0 of the stock, alongside the slot therein, is ascale-plate D, the inner edge 'n of which is slightly curved incorrespondence with the curved edges or sides of said slot, the saidscale-plate D having proper lines of division and subdivision, as shown.I may construct and assemble the said level and plumb devices in anysuitable way to bring them to the proper positions with reference to thesaid openings a and Z) of the stock and also by which they may be movedor adjusted in the ascertaining of inclination or pitch from horizontalsand perpendiculars; but preferably I employ the embodiment about to bespecifically referred to and which includes an axis or center of motioncommon to both of the devices B and C, as already mentioned, as well asa single indicator or index-lever for both of said devices, the partsall being constructed and united in a manner to give most accurate re-Thus I preferably employ an indicator or index-lever E, fulcrurned at asuitable pointas, for instance, upon a pin or screw 5 passing through anopening therefor in the stock about in line with the central point ofthe base of the opening Z), the longer arm 3 of the lever being straightand extending parallel with the working face at of the stock and the endor extremity4 of said arm being notched to form a finger 5, the loweredge 6 of which is also parallel with said working face (1 and adaptedto engage the corresponding parallel edge 7 of a step 8, formed with andprojectinginwardly from the lower part of the said scale-plate D,hereinbefore referred to. The said finger 5 of the said longer arm 3 ofthe lever E is provided with an index character or mark 9, whichregisters with the different divisions and subdivisions of the scale 12,accordingly as either the said level device or the said plumb device isadjusted to different positions in the uses of the instrument. Theshorter arm 3 of the index-lever is also straight and at right angles tothe working faces of the stock of theinstrument, as shown. The leveldevice Bis formed with or attached to the said longer arm 3 of the saidindicator or index-lever and comprises a case or tube containing theusual vial or bubble-glass l0, and the plumb device 0 is similarlyconstituted of a case or tube and contained vial or bubble-glass 12 andis formed with or attached to the said shorter arm 3 of the lever.Preferably I make said devices B and 0 separate from the arms of thelever and mount them thereon in a manner to be independently adjustableto compensate for any accidental dislocation thereof in use or forinequalities in the instrument such as may result when the working faceof the stock gets out of true, as sometimes happens after the instrumentor stock leaves the factory. Thus I provide the case or tube of each ofthe devices mentioned with lugs or portions 15 16, one being formed witha horizontal slot 17 and the other with a vertical slot 18, a suitablefastening-screw 20 passing through each of said slots and enteringsuitable holes or openings (not shown) in the arms of the index-lever.The purpose of the horizontal slots in said lugs or portions is toenable compensation to be made for variations of the predetermineddistance between the openings in the lever-arms at the time of fittingor applying the screws for mounting the level and plumb devices inposition, while the vertical slots in the said lugs or portions permitof the independent adjustments of said devices for the purposesmentioned, all this being clearly apparent from the drawings.

IOC

In the working positions of the instrument the weight of the said leveldevice B, combined with the weight of the longer arm 3 of index-lever E,overbalances the combined weight of the plumb device 0 and shorter arm 3of said lever, and thus the lever is normally carried to a position tocause the index character thereon to register zero of the scale,substantially as indicated at Fig. 1, the said devices B and O occupyingcorresponding positions. I provide suitable means for securing saidlever at such point as well as at any point to which it may be carriedin adjustments of the level and plumb devices, said means consisting inthe present instance of a set-screw G, passing through an openingtherefor in arm 3 of the index-lever, and said screw working in thecurved slot in the levelstock and having a tightening-nut for fasteningthe said lever in place.

It will be observed that the index-lever E is constructed ofcomparatively thin metal, as is the scale-plate D, and that both of saidelements are mounted in position directly against the adjacent surfaceof the body or web of the stock of the instrument, the level device andthe plumb device being mounted on the arms of said lever at the outersurface thereof, thus enabling ready adjustment of said devices, as isapparent. By thus organizing the parts referred to the index-lever isfirmly braced by the said body or web of the stock and is not liable tobe easily bent or distorted in the use of the instrument, and no specialconstruction of the stock is necessary for the accommodation andmounting in position of the movable parts within the planes of the edgesof the wider portions of the flanges d and 6. Moreover, the saidindexlever and scale-plate are in the same plane, the movements of theend of the finger of the longer arm of the lever beingeffected along theinner curved edge of the plate, thus enabling the scale to always beeasily read with greater accuracy, the liability to etfacement of thescale-divisions by wear being considerably less than if the movements ofthe said finger 5 were effected along the face of the scale plate, as isapparent. Being mounted well within the edges of the said wider portionsof the flanges d and e of the stock, the several elements contributingto my improvements are in the handling of the instrument thoroughlyprotected from injury or breakage from contact with external objects,and it will be observed that I am enabled to employ a relatively thinlevel-stock, which effects a great saving of material, besides renderingthe instrument light and easy of manufacture. Stillfurther, in theembodiment of Inyinvention herein shown the means for securing theindex-lever E in diflerent positions of adjustment are in no wisedependout upon any special construction of the scaleplate, such as isthe casein some former constructions, the said lever in the presentinstance being secured in varying positions by means of a screw and nut,the former passing through a curved slot formed in the body or web ofthe level-stock itself, as shown, and the latter screwing up against theside of such body or web, the effect of which is to impart greaterstability to the general structure.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a very simpleand inexpensive instrument of its kind and one having a great manydesirable features of construction and organization of operativeelements, and it will be understood that variations may be made from thedifferent details herein specified and shown and still be within thespirit and scope of my invention.

Having described my invention, I claim- 1.Alevelinginstrumentcomprisingastock of relatively thin material andhaving lateral flanges at the longer edges thereof, said stock beingformed therethrough with a slot having curved sides, and provided with ascaleplate the inner edge of which is on an arc of a circle concentricwith the arc of the circle about which the sides of the slot are struck,said plate being provided with graduations at said inner edge thereof, amovable index-1a ver of substantially equal thickness with thescale-plate working directly against one side of the stock and formed atthe end of one of the arms thereof with a finger Working along the inneredge of said plate in the adjustments of the lever, said lever beingfulcrumed at the center of the circles in which the said mentioned arcsare included, a level device and a plumb device supported by thelever-arms, and means carried by one of the latter and working in saidslot for securing the lever in different positions.

2. Alevelinginstrumentcomprisingastock of relatively thin material andhaving lateral flanges at the longer edges thereof, said stock beingformed therethrough with a slot having curved sides, and provided with ascaleplate the inner edge of which is on an arc of a circle concentricwith the arc of the circle about which the sides of the slot are struck,said plate being provided with gradnations at said inner edge thereof, amovable indexlever of substantially equal thickness with the scale-plateworking directly against one side of the stock and formed at the end ofone of the arms thereof with a finger working along the inner edge ofsaid plate in the adjustments of the lever, said lever being fulcrumedat the center of the circles in which the said mentioned arcs areincluded, a level device and a plumb device supported by the lever-arms,a screw carried by one of the latter and working in said slot, and a nuton said screw for securing the lever in different positions.

3. Alevelinginstrumentcomprisingastock of relatively thin material andhaving lateral flanges at the longer edges thereof, said stock beingformed therethrough with a slot having curved sides, and provided with ascaleplate the inner edge of which is on an arc of a circle concentricwith the arc of the circle about which the sides of the slot are struck,said plate being provided with graduations at said inner edge thereof, amovable indexlever of substantially equal thickness with the scale-plateworking directly against one side of the stock and formed at the end ofthe longer arm thereof with a finger working along the inner edge ofsaid plate in the adjustments of the lever, said lever being fulcrumedat the center of the circles in which said mentioned arcs are included,a level device and a plumb device supported by the lever-arms, and meansfor the independent adjustments of said devices, a screw carried by oneof the lever-arms and working in said slot, and a nut on said screw forsecuring the lever in different positions.

4. Alevelinginstrumentcomprisingastock of relatively thin material andhaving lateral flanges at the longer edges thereof, said stock beingformed therethrough with a slot having curved sides, and provided with ascaleplate the inner edge of which is on an arc of a circle concentricwith the arc of the circle about which the sides of the slot are struck,said plate being provided with graduations at said inner edge thereof, amovable indexlever of substantially equal thickness with the scale-plateworking directly against one side of the stock and formed at the end ofthe longer arm thereof with a finger working along the inner edge of theplate in the adjustments of the lever, said lever being fulcruined atthe center of the circles in which said mentioned arcs are included, alevel device and a plumb device supported by the lever-arms, each beingprovided with lugs having one a vertical slot and the other a horizontalslot, with screws entering the leverarms through these slots, and meanscarried on said longer lever-arm and working in the curved slot of thestock for securing the lever in diiferent positions.

5. Alevelinginstrumentcomprisingastock of relatively thin material andhaving lateral flanges at the longer edges thereof, said stock beingformed therethrough with a slot having curved sides, and provided with ascaleplate the inner edge of which is on an arc of a circle concentricwith the arc of the circle about which the sides of the slot are struck,said plate being provided with graduations at said inner edge thereofand formed at its lower end with an inwardly-projecting step, a movableindeX-lever of substantially equal thickness with the scale-plateworking directly against one side of the stock, and formed at the end ofone arm thereof with afinger adapted to rest on said step and workingalong the inner edge of said plate in the adjustments of the lever, saidlever being fulcrumed at the center of the circles in which the saidmentioned arcs are included, a level device and a plumb device supportedby the lever-arms, and means carried by one of the latter and working insaid slot for securing the lever in different positions.

6. A leveling device comprising a stock of relatively thin material andhaving lateral flanges at the longer edges thereof, said stock beingformed therethrough with a slot having curved sides, and provided with ascaleplate the inner edge of which is on an arc of a circle concentricwith the arc of the circle about which the sides of the slot are struck,said plate being provided with graduations at said inner edge thereofand formed at its lower end with an inwardly-projecting step, a movableindeX-lever of substantially equal thickness with the scale -plateworking directly against one side of the stock, and formed at the end ofthe longer arm thereof with a finger adapted to rest on said step andworking along the inner edge of said plate in the adjustments of thelever, said lever being fulcrumed at the center of the circles in whichthe said mentioned arcs are included, a level device and a plumb devicesupported by the lever-arms, each being provided with lugs having one avertical slot and the other a horizontal slot, with screws entering thelever-arms through these slots, a screw carried by the longer one ofsaid arms and working in the curved slot of the stock, and a nut on thescrew for securing the lever in different positions.

7. Alevelinginstrumentcomprisingastock of relatively thin materialformed with openings therein and having lateral flanges at the longeredges thereof, said stock being formed also with a curved transverseslot having curved sides, and provided with a scaleplate the inner edgeof which is on an arc of a circle concentric with the arc of the circleabout which the sides of the slot are struck, said plate being providedwith graduations at said inner edge thereof, a movable indexlever ofsubstantially equal thickness with the scale-plate working directlyagainst one side of the stock and formed at the end of the longer armthereof with a finger working along the inner edge of the plate in theadjustments of the lever, said lever being fulcrumed at the center ofthe circles in which the said arcs are included, a level device and aplumb device supported by the lever-arms in position before the openingsin the stock, and means carried by said longer lever-arm and working insaid curved slot for securing the lever in different positions.

8. A leveling instrument comprising a stock formed therethrough with aslot having curved sides and provided with a scale-plate the inner edgeof which is on an arc of a circle concentric with the arc of the circleabout which the sides of the slot are struck, said scale-plate havinggraduations at the said inner edge thereof, a movable lever workingdirectly against one side of the stock with the end of one arm thereofmovable along the inner edge of the scale-plate in the adjustments ofthe lever, said lever being fulcrumed at the center of the circles inwhich the said mentioned arcs are included, a level device and a plumbdevice supported at the outer side of the lever-arms, each being pro--vided with lugs having one a vertical slot and the other a horizontalslot, with screws entering the lever-arms through these slots, and

inner edge of the scale-plate in the adjustments of the lever, saidlever being fulcrumed at the center of the circles in which the saidmentioned arcs are included,a level deviceand a plumb device supportedat the outer side of the lever-arms, and means carried by one of saidarms and Working in the slot for se- 20 curing the lever in differentpositions.

JUSTUS A. TRAUT.

Witnesses:

EBEN STRONG, FRANK L. TRAUT.

